On-stage assassination of Trump look-alike causes controversy in US

Despite the fact that his name is not explicitly mentioned, an assassination scene of an upcoming modern rendition of the play “Julius Caesar” is sparking controversy because the actor strongly resembles US President Donald Trump. Several of the play’s sponsors have withdrawn their support and one of Trump’s children slammed the performance: “I wonder how much of this ‘art’ is funded by taxpayers?”

A production at Shakespeare in the Park in New York by the Public Theater that includes a scene depicting the assassination of an actor who resembles US President Donald Trump has caused immense controversy, leading sponsors to withdraw their support. In the provocative play, the actor dressed as Trump is stabbed to death, which has sparked a heated response from Donald Trump Junior.

The play in the eye of the storm is a modern rendition of “Julius Caesar,” which is set to take the stage next week at Shakespeare in the Park by the Public Theater. Delta Air Lines along with Bank of America announced yesterday (Sunday) that they are withdrawing their sponsorship of the play. “No matter what your political stance may be, the graphic staging of ‘Julius Caesar’ at this summer’s Free Shakespeare in the Park does not reflect Delta Air Lines’ values,” Delta said in an official statement.

Donald Trump, Jr. also responded to the production on Twitter: “I wonder how much of this ‘art is funded by taxpayers? Serious question, when does ‘art’ become political speech & does that change things?”